Joe Buck paid a beautiful tribute to his late friend and TV partner Tim McCarver

News of Tim McCarver dying at the age of 81 last week understandably hit the baseball world hard. As a two-time All-Star, a two-time World Series champion with the St. Louis Cardinals, and a legendary broadcaster for decades, he made an impact on many people.

One of the biggest might have been on his former FOX broadcasting partner Joe Buck. The pair worked together from 1996 to 2013 before McCarver retired from national MLB announcing after the 2013 World Series. Naturally, given the time Buck spent with McCarver in the booth — with the now ESPN Monday Night Football play-by-play somewhat maturing into his job as a commentator alongside McCarver — he had touching words to honor his late friend.

I cannot begin to explain the profound impact this man had on my life and career. He gave me instant credibility at 27 while calling my first World Series and beyond.He was a fierce teammate and confidant.We had a blast together for 18 years and 16 World Series.Thank you partner! https://t.co/1D5PJH50NZ

— Joe Buck (@Buck) February 21, 2023

How beautiful. In honoring a legend and staple of baseball for years, Buck absolutely nailed it. McCarver meant a lot to Buck, and these moving words clearly come from a close friend.